What Is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names like google.com into IP addresses. When you type a URL, your browser sends a DNS query to find the server's IP address. This query normally goes to your ISP's DNS servers.
What Is a DNS Leak?
A DNS leak happens when DNS queries bypass your proxy or VPN and go directly to your ISP's servers. This reveals which websites you're visiting, even though your IP address is hidden from the target websites.
Why DNS Leaks Happen
They occur when your system uses default DNS settings instead of the proxy's DNS servers. Some proxies don't handle DNS requests, leaving them to leak to your ISP. VPNs can also leak DNS if not properly configured.
How to Detect DNS Leaks
Use the DNS Leak Test tool. It sends DNS queries through your connection and checks which DNS servers respond. If your ISP's servers appear instead of privacy-focused DNS servers, you have a leak.
How to Fix DNS Leaks
Configure your system to use privacy DNS servers (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Quad9 9.9.9.9). Enable DNS-over-HTTPS in your browser. Use a VPN that handles DNS queries. Verify fixes with the DNS Leak Test.